Purpose

To review the charges for parking permits, bay suspensions, parking dispensations and parking tariffs. The proposed changes will help to better manage parking demand and contribute to wider traffic management and environmental objectives.

Decision

a)    Approve an increase in Pay and Display tariffs in the parking zones outside the city, as detailed in Appendix A & C, and that these are implemented as soon as practicable while noting that certain changes will also need to be subject to the approval of the Charity Trustee Sub Committee before they can be implemented in the charitable parks.

b)    Approve an increase to City Centre Zone Pay and Display tariffs, as detailed in Appendix A & C, and that these are implemented as soon as practicable.

c)    Approve an increase in Permit prices, as detailed in Appendix B of this report be approved and be implemented from 15th of June 2026.

d)    Approve changes to the dispensation and bay suspension charges, as detailed in this report, and those said changes be implemented from 15th of June 2026.

e)    The chair of the Charity Trustee Sub Committee to approve price increases proposed in this report before they can be implemented in the charitable parks

Reasons for the decision

It is anticipated that the proposed parking tariff and fee revisions set out in this report will support the effective management of parking demand across the authority’s parking estate. The proposed changes are intended to encourage the more efficient use of available parking provision, particularly in locations and during periods where demand consistently and demonstrably exceeds capacity. By better aligning parking charges with observed levels of demand, the authority aims to improve space turnover, enhance accessibility for residents, visitors and businesses, and ensure that limited parking resources are managed in a fair, sustainable and effective manner.

Alternative options considered

Alternative Option 1: The Council could maintain its current tariffs

This option was rejected as this would not address the excess demand parking issues outlined in this report, nor enable other positive outcomes that may arise, such as better air quality. Continuing with the current tariffs and not aligning with the inflation will result in cheaper permits increases the kerbside space would be likely to start to negatively impact the efficient use of space and uptake of more active modes such as walking, cycling and use of public transport.

Alternative Option 2: The Council could make higher and more widespread increases in tariffs

This option was rejected with the information available; these are not thought to be appropriate or proportionate to achieve the aims of the proposed increases.